Exodus

Iconic New York rapper DMX began work on what would be his eighth studio album, Exodus, shortly after the release of 2012's Undisputed. His death in 2021 shifted the record from being the triumphant comeback it was intended as to a memoriam, its urgency and spiritual undertones recontextualized by DMX's passing. Exodus is relatively short, clocking in at just under 40 minutes where earlier studio albums hovered around hour-long run times. It's also the most collaboration-heavy DMX album, featuring appearances by rap royalty as well as pop stars like Bono, Usher, and Alicia Keys. DMX's patented growl is in fine form on album standouts like the simmering "Hood Blues," and "Bath Salts," a spirited track that finds X, Nas, and Jay-Z taking turns over a pushy beat. Moneybagg Yo brings a fluid lyrical presence to "Money Money Money," flowing over an instrumental built on almost absurd classical harpsichord samples. On these tracks, DMX sounds energized by his collaborators. Other moments of note are the Marvin Gaye-sampling, Snoop Dogg-featuring, and generally laid-back fun of "Take Control," the driven and hooky Alicia Keys collaboration "Hold Me Down," and a string of tracks that close out the set with a deeply introspective and spiritual feel. Among those closing tracks, "Letter to My Son (Call Your Father)" is perhaps the strongest moment on the album, with DMX narrating a pained, conflicted message to his son from what feels like a place of estrangement and sorrow. It's emotionally complex and doesn't even hide its straightforwardness behind a beat, with X speaking directly over understated piano and violin. ~ Fred Thomas